A relative of the date palm, Phoenix canariensis is a large palm tree, with spreading deep green leaves arching elegantly from its attractive, stout trunk. During a hot summer, drooping bunches of creamy-yellow flowers may appear. Holding a prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, the Canary Island date palm makes an excellent evergreen specimen plant for the patio or conservatory. Phoenix canariensis enjoys a sheltered garden position in the UK, although will cope with temperatures down to -6C (21F). The Phoenix Palm is undeniably impressive and can grow to more than 12m in its native Canary Islands. Fortunately, here in the UK and when restricted in a container, it reaches a much more manageable height of 1.5m (5'). Add a pair of these tropical beauties to your patio or garden to create a real holiday feel for years to come - instantly conjuring up scenes of a tropical paradise, where their huge leaves waft airily in the sea breeze and you can almost hear the sea lapping at the shore.